Julie Gifford and Sharalyn Kluke opened their new real estate company, Got Real Estate, on July 31, 2008. After several years working with other Real Estate companies, they decided it was time to go out on their own and give the sellers of the tri-county area a “new way” of listing property.

Basically, the full service/one listing price business model that Julie and Sharalyn adopted gives sellers the complete package of real estate services—nothing is left out—at one specific fee: $5,000. Fees are collected at the time of closing. If the property doesn’t sell, there is no charge. Additionally, there is the standard percentage fee paid to the buyer’s agent.

Sharalyn explains: “Our biggest challenge is getting the awareness out to customers about how much money we can actually save them. We aren’t new to the business or new to the area but our concept is new. It’s almost too good to be true and people are slow to believe it’s real. The example we use is if you sell a million dollar house with us, your seller agent costs would be $5,000 – you’d save $25,000!! People find that hard to believe, but it’s true.”

They are both Accredited Buyer Representatives (ABR) and provide full real estate services to buyers and sellers.

Julie and Sharalyn like working for themselves! They work out of their homes—and cars—and often meet clients at the nearest coffee shop. With 12 years combined experience in Real Estate, they know the business and they know this area.

Julie moved to Oconee County with her husband Rick in 1995 and put her BS degree in Managerial Accounting to work at a local industry. When she decided she wanted more control over her work life, she went back to school to get her broker’s license as well as her ABR certificate and a Graduate Realtor Institute Certificate (GRI).

Sharalyn, a Canadian native, came to Georgia to teach school and after marrying husband Jason in 2005, she moved to West Union and went back to school to become a Realtor, working for a local franchise-based Real Estate firm. She has her ABR certificate and continues to take real estate education classes.

To date their new business model has met with high approval from clients. Julie says, “So far the sellers love it. They feel like they get a lot for their money.”

Julie said, “We’re glad to be part of the Oconee Chamber because they have done a lot to promote all different kinds of businesses in the area and to promote tourism. We’re glad they now represent the entire county as that is to the benefit of all businesses.”

Sharalyn said, “The business after hours is a great way to network and to be aware of what other businesses do. We believe in supporting local businesses.”

Blackberry Hollow Home Accessories and Gifts
Owned and operated by Cheryl Bright

Cheryl Bright rarely has time to sit down as she prepares for the Christmas Season at Blackberry Hollow

Blackberry Hollow offers an unusual selection of furniture, floral arrangements, art, decorative accessories, candles and food—something for every season. Owned by Cheryl Bright and her husband, Harold, Blackberry Hollow enjoys a client base that includes county residents, people from all over who have summer homes here and tourists visiting the area.

Cheryl says, “Meeting people is the best part of the business. And it’s a lot of fun helping people find that special something for their home.” Cheryl and her husband, Harold, have always been interested in antiques and decorating. They both worked regular jobs at Johnson Controls but spent many of their weekends at antique festivals throughout South Carolina selling antique and hand-painted furniture.

In 200l, they opened the first Blackberry Hollow on Wells Highway and Cheryl says it was an act of faith. “We went on a buying trip to Atlanta and it was right after 9/11 and the people there couldn’t believe we were actually going to open a store after that great tragedy. But it was a step of faith and it has worked out well,” Cheryl explains

In 2005, Blackberry Hollow moved to its present location on Hwy 188 near Bounty Land on Hwy 28. The building was a house and belonged to Cheryl’s aunt. Cheryl and Harold liked the idea of showcasing their merchandise in a home-like environment. “A home gives a better ambiance for the type of things we sell. People can imagine what it will look like in their own homes.” Cheryl said.

In addition to running the store with her two trusted helpers, Patti Ivie and Gladys Rouen—both customers who asked if they come to work for her—Cheryl provides a service called “House Fluffing.”

Cheryl visits a home and talks with the client about the style they like or the look they want to achieve. Then she looks at items the client already has and comes back with items from Blackberry Hollow. She decorates the room(s) and the client can buy what she decides to keep. Cheryl takes back whatever doesn’t work.

Blackberry Hollow is conveniently located on Hwy. 188 east of Hwy. 28

Cheryl likes the interaction with clients and enjoys helping people achieve the style they want for their homes. She says the quantity of Blackberry Hollow items can range from 10 to 75% depending on what the client already has.

“Clients like the service because they get to see decorative items in place before they decide to purchase them and it helps clients see their own treasures in a whole new setting.” Cheryl explains. “I like to tell stories with the collectibles people treasure. For example, the husband of one couple really liked planes so I arranged his collectibles in a bookcase in the den where he spends time and she wanted an area with pictures and collectibles that were important to her so I created a reading nook and made it personal to her. They were both pleased.”

Cheryl also stages homes for sale. “In this market, it helps to have someone else come in and give the direction as to what needs to be rearranged and what needs to go. I also decorate for open houses and will rent items for use until the house sells.”

The Blackberry Hollow creates a variety of gift baskets and carries quite a few South Carolina foods. Cheryl says, “I stock items that come from all over South Carolina and do baskets that provide a taste of South Carolina.”



As a member of the Greater Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, Cheryl says, “It’s important to support the Chamber because the Chamber represents your business and it’s a good way to network. The Chamber is kind of the spokesperson for businesses and looks out for the good of the members.”